The Mercedes-Benz G-Class has long been more than a vehicle; it’s an icon of rugged luxury, blending military-grade off-road prowess with opulent sophistication. As we roll into 2025, the introduction of the G 450 d reaffirms this legacy, replacing the outgoing G 400 d with a more potent diesel powerhouse tailored for European and select global markets. This mild-hybrid inline-six diesel engine delivers 367 horsepower and a staggering 750 Nm of torque, making it a torque monster that honors the G-Wagon’s heritage while embracing modern electrification. Priced starting at around €132,000 in Germany, the G 450 d isn’t just an SUV—it’s a statement of enduring strength, proving that in an era of electric transitions, diesel still has a vital role in high-performance off-roading. With its boxy silhouette unchanged since 1979, the 2025 G 450 d evolves subtly, incorporating advanced tech and efficiency without diluting its raw character. For enthusiasts and adventurers, it represents the pinnacle of diesel luxury, a vehicle that conquers continents while cocooning occupants in five-star comfort.
Power Under the Hood: The OM 656 Engine Revolution
At the heart of the 2025 Mercedes-Benz G 450 d is the refined OM 656 inline-six diesel engine, a 3.0-liter turbocharged unit that has been uprated for greater power. Displacing 2,989 cc, it churns out 270 kW (367 PS or 362 hp) and an immense 750 Nm of torque from just 1,350 rpm, surpassing the G 400 d’s 330 hp and 700 Nm by a healthy margin. This power surge pays homage to the legendary 4.0-liter V8 450 CDI from over a decade ago, but in a more efficient, emissions-compliant package. The mild-hybrid system, featuring a 48-volt integrated starter-generator (ISG), provides a seamless 20 hp and 200 Nm boost during acceleration, improving low-end response and enabling coasting regeneration for enhanced fuel economy.
Paired with a nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission, power flows effortlessly to all four wheels via Mercedes’ permanent 4MATIC system. This setup ensures the G 450 d can sprint from 0-100 km/h in approximately 6.4 seconds—impressive for a 2.5-tonne behemoth—while topping out at an electronically limited 210 km/h. Off-road, the low-range transfer case and three locking differentials (front, center, rear) transform it into an unstoppable force, tackling inclines up to 100% and wading through 700 mm of water. Fuel efficiency hovers around 10-12 liters per 100 km combined, a respectable figure given the G’s brick-like aerodynamics (Cd 0.53), thanks to the hybrid assist and optimized injection timing. In 2025, as diesel faces scrutiny, the G 450 d’s Euro 6d compliance and selective catalytic reduction make it a clean, capable choice for long-haul explorers.
Design: Timeless Icon with Subtle 2025 Refinements
The G-Class’s design philosophy is simple: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. The 2025 G 450 d retains the angular, upright stance that defines the breed—round headlights, flat panels, and exposed hinges evoking its 1979 military roots. Yet, Mercedes has infused modern touches, including slimmer LED headlights with adaptive high-beam assist, a revised front bumper for improved approach angles (now 26 degrees), and optional 20-inch AMG wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires. The body-on-frame construction, with rigid axles front and rear, underscores its off-road DNA, while new pitch stabilization and adaptive damping mitigate the G’s notorious body roll on pavement.
Inside, the cabin is a sanctuary of luxury. The 2025 update introduces the latest MBUX infotainment system, featuring twin 12.3-inch screens that now support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A standard Burmester 3D surround sound system with Dolby Atmos envelops passengers in audio bliss, while an optional rear-seat MBUX tablet caters to the second-row occupants. Materials scream opulence: Nappa leather, open-pore wood trims, and ambient lighting in 64 colors. The cargo space measures 667 liters behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,941 liters when the seats are folded, which is ample for weekend gear or expedition supplies. The G 450 d’s five-door layout seats five comfortably, with heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats as standard. In a nod to personalization, buyers can spec Manufaktur paints like hyper-blue or herbal green, ensuring no two G-Wagons are alike. This blend of brutalist exterior and plush interior cements the G 450 d as a cultural artifact, spotted on red carpets and remote trails alike.
On-Road Dynamics: Surprisingly Civilized Hauler
For all its off-road legend, the 2025 G 450 d excels on tarmac, thanks to chassis tweaks that tame its wild side. The adaptive air suspension, now standard, adjusts ride height from 241 mm (normal) to 307 mm (off-road) or a low 206 mm for loading, while hydraulic roll stabilization maintains composed cornering. On highways, the diesel’s torque pulls effortlessly, overtaking semis with disdain, and the nine-speed shifts are butter-smooth, aided by the ISG’s predictive downshifts.
Reviews praise its newfound refinement, noting that it is quieter than its predecessors, with active noise cancellation effectively muffling the inline-six’s growl to a refined hum. Fuel consumption improves to about 9 liters/100 km on long cruises, and the 85-liter tank offers a range of over 800 km—ideal for Europe’s autobahns or India’s highways. Yet, it’s no sports car; the steering is weighted but indirect, and wind/road noise at 120 km/h reminds you of its boxy form. The towing capacity reaches 3,500 kg, making it a boon for towing trailers or boats. In urban settings, the G 450 d’s 4.87-meter length demands respect, but 360-degree cameras and park assist ease maneuvering. Overall, it’s a grand tourer disguised as a tank—luxurious enough for daily drives, potent for spirited jaunts.
Off-Road Mastery: Unmatched Capability in 2025
Where the G 450 d truly excels is beyond the blacktop, upholding the G-Class’s motto: “Stronger than time.” The 2025 model introduces enhanced off-road modes—Trail, Rock, and Sand—integrated with the Dynamic Select system, optimizing throttle, traction, and stability for specific terrains. Low-range gearing multiplies torque by 3.5:1, enabling crawls over boulders or through mud without drama. The ground clearance of 241 mm (extendable to 307 mm) and breakover angle of 26 degrees enable it to handle obstacles that would humble lesser SUVs.
The diesel’s low-end torque is a game-changer off-grid, pulling through deep sand or steep inclines with minimal wheelspin, thanks to the locking diffs and 4MATIC’s torque vectoring. Approach/departure angles of 31/30 degrees, combined with underbody protection, make it expedition-ready. Real-world tests in the Alps or Rajasthan dunes reveal its poise: the G 450 d fords streams, climbs 45-degree slopes, and recovers from ruts with ease. Optional accessories, such as the Off-Road Package, add skid plates and rock rails, while the transparent hood view via MBUX displays virtual terrain scans. In 2025, as the electric G 580 debuts, the G 450 d remains the diesel purist’s choice for remote adventures, where charging stations are scarce and torque reigns supreme.
Technology and Safety: MBUX Meets Ironclad Protection
Mercedes loads the 2025 G 450 d with cutting-edge tech that belies its retro looks. The MBUX hyperscreen—optional across three panels—offers augmented reality navigation, voice control in 27 languages (“Hey Mercedes, find the nearest fuel”), and over-the-air updates. Connectivity is seamless, featuring 5G LTE, wireless charging, and a fingerprint scanner for driver profiles, which allows for personalization of seats and climate upon entry.
Safety is paramount, with Active Brake Assist, Attention Assist, and PRE-SAFE detecting imminent collisions and pre-tensioning belts. Adaptive cruise with lane centering, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera suite provide peace of mind. Off-road, transparent mode overlays terrain data, and crosswind assist counters gusts at speed. The mild-hybrid system enhances regenerative braking for safer descents, and an automatic emergency call feature is available for assistance if stranded. In crash tests, the G’s high-strength steel frame earns top marks, protecting occupants in urban pile-ups or remote rollovers. This tech infusion makes the G 450 d not just challenging, but intelligently so— a 2025 marvel in a timeless shell.
Market Position and Ownership: The Diesel G-Wagon’s Enduring Appeal
In 2025, the G 450 slots into a lineup flanked by the petrol G 500 (449 hp) and fire-breathing AMG G 63, but its diesel efficiency and torque make it the practical hero for long-distance drivers. Priced competitively against the Land Rover Defender 130 or Toyota Land Cruiser, it commands a premium for its badge and bespoke options—expect to add € 20,000 or more for customizations. Resale values hold firm; G-Class values depreciate slowly, often retaining 70% of their original value after three years.
Ownership perks include Mercedes’ five-year service plans and a four-year warranty, with diesel reliability proven in taxis worldwide. Drawbacks? Thirsty in stop-go traffic and unavailable in emissions-strict markets like the US, where gas G 550 rules. Fuel costs vary, but at €1.80/liter, annual running costs hover around €2,500 for 15,000 km. Globally, it’s a hit in India and the Middle East, where diesel infrastructure thrives. As electrification looms, the G 450 d bridges the old and the new, marking a diesel swan song for the G-Class.
The Future of the G 450 d: Legacy in Motion
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G 450 d isn’t just a vehicle; it’s a bridge between eras, fusing diesel heritage with hybrid innovation. In a world shifting to EVs, its unapologetic power and versatility remind us why the G-Class endures—capable, charismatic, and utterly uncompromising. Whether scaling peaks or cruising boulevards, it embodies adventure unbound. As Mercedes eyes a fully electric future, the G 450 d ensures the G-Wagon’s roar (or rumble) lives on, stronger than time.
